Cootamundra’s representative cricket team will head to Robertson Oval in Wagga on Sunday to take on Wagga in a clash between the two biggest contenders in the Stribley Shield.
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A win would see them well on their way to cementing a place in the finals, however they will have to earn it against the quality Wagga lineup.
First XI captain Dean Bradley is excited by the prospect of playing on Robertson Oval, widely regarded as one of the best grounds around.
“I played at Robertson Oval a couple of years ago and it is a great venue for cricket,” Bradley said.
Cootamundra is coming off the back of a strong victory against Yass in round two of the Stribley Shield at Albert Park a fortnight ago.
A stunning all-around performance from Luke Berkrey who scored 80 with the bat before snaring 4//20 with the ball in that game set Cootamundra up for an easy 102 run victory.
Berkrey has again been named in Cootamundra’s lineup for Sunday, however Bradley is looking for each of his players to contribute.
With both Cootamundra and Wagga on 12 points apiece on the ladder, there is no splitting them so Cootamundra will have to be on their game.
Other teams in the competition include Young, Temora, Yass and Gundagai.
A traditionalist who will always bat first given the opportunity, Bradley said he would like to see Cootamundra post a competitive total in the first innings giving himself and his team of bowlers something to bowl at.
“It is a totally different game when you bat first because you can take that control but, that said, games aren’t won and lost at the toss; if we have to field first we will look to go out and dig on, bowling tight and capitalising on our chances,” Bradley said.
With a few wins under their belt this season, player numbers are easy to come by for Bradley with a full complement already decided upon.
It is a totally different game when you bat first because you can take that control but, that said, games aren’t won and lost at the toss.
- Cootamundra First XI captain Dean Bradley
He is telling his players that they are not only playing for success in the Stribley Shield, they should look at it as a dress-rehearsal for the next O’Farrell Cup Challenge.
Cootamundra will have a good mix of youth and experience in their line-up with Zac Craw and Matt Berkrey representing the talented youngsters while the likes of John Stephens, Mick Cronin and Bradley will bring cool heads.
Rep team
- Dean Bradley (C)
- Matt Berkrey
- Luke Berkrey
- John Stephens
- Mick Cronin
- David Garness
- Jack Caldwell
- Ray James
- Col Slater
- James Dickinson
- Zac Craw
- Joel Pearson
